A new treatment centre in the Malopolskie region of Poland has improved access to specialised medical services such as burn treatments and reattachment of body parts. Its reconstructive surgery uses the latest methods for removing tissue and transplanting skin onto burn patients. Thanks to funding, the facility offers modern care and rehabilitation for patients of all ages.
Cutting-edge Polish medical centre treats burns and birth defects
- 05 December 2020
This project responds to the needs and deficiencies in our regional health care system, so medical services are now more comprehensive. The hospital can treat burns, reattach amputated body parts, provide therapy and offer paediatric surgery.
When Krakow’s medical system was found to have insufficient facilities for treating certain niche injuries or conditions, the Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital used EU funds to modernise its 20-year-old practice. The new Malopolska Region Burn Treatment and Rehabilitation and Plastic Surgery Centre opened for patients with extensive burns in August 2019.
The centre plans to use proprietary Krakow Replant Procedures, proven to be over 75 % successful in reattaching fingers and hands.
Treating young and old
Until recently, the hospital could only treat patients older than 15 for burns and could not perform plastic surgery on anyone younger than five. Now, younger children can be treated for burns and undergo plastic surgery.
While the focus is on thermal, chemical and electrical burns, the centre can treat other conditions. For instance, it will provide surgical help for children with congenital deformations of the skull. These patients would previously have had to seek help outside the region, or even abroad.
Ear deformities and skin cancers can also be treated. Ear reconstruction can be performed in cooperation with a local otolaryngology department, on children who suffer from congenital deformity of the external ear (microtia). At present, only two hospitals in Poland can treat this type of defect. The centre has developed surgical treatments for severe skin cancers which affect the face.
Surgery rehabilitation techniques make use of traditional techniques such as physiotherapy and the latest techniques like skin transplants and specialist pain relief, using physiotherapeutic methods, including laser, ultrasound and high voltage therapy.
Modern medical facilities
The building uses renewable energy and an intelligent media management system to reduce operating costs and contribute to better air quality in Krakow. It has achieved 20 % renewable energy levels and a 20 % increase in energy efficiency.
This project created 22 new jobs for doctors and nurses, and offers an attractive working space for medical staff. Administrative and training facilities have been provided for medical staff to guarantee the safety of patients and medical staff.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Burns Centre with Plastic Surgery” is EUR 8 018 968 (PLN 34 419 936), with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing wthrough the “Małopolskie Voivodeship” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Social inclusion”.